We are just a few weeks away from the 2022 NFL season beginning, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to next year’s draft.
The Raiders will likely use one of their top picks to address the offensive line, but they could also attack the interior defensive line. They just don’t have many long-term options at defensive tackle beyond the 2022 season.
In a recent mock draft by Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network, he gave the Raiders defensive tackle Gervon Dexter from Florida. Here is what Sanchez had to say about the potential fit:
“The Raiders have star power all over the field with Derek Carr, Davante Adams, and Chandler Jones. But one position that has continued to be a major hole on this roster is defensive tackle. Taking Gervon Dexter at this position helps fill a hole that has been a major concern for the Raiders.”
Dexter is a huge defensive tackle (6’6, 303 pounds) who is still growing into his body. During the 2021 season, he totaled 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. However, the expectation is that he should easily double those numbers during the 2022 season.
If the Raiders do want to use their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft on a defensive tackle, Dexter could be an option. Look for him to be a top-25 pick next year with a solid junior season.